Clean data, clear insights: AI for finance and how to build the right foundation, with Gabi Steele

In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we explore how finance leaders can unlock the full potential of their data in the era of generative AI. Hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Gabi Steele, CEO and Co-founder of Preql, to discuss how CFOs can build a strong data foundation, harness AI effectively, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

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Turning Data into Actionable Insights

Finance teams are flooded with data, but making sense of it—and ensuring its accuracy—is a growing challenge. Gabi emphasizes that the key to leveraging AI successfully starts with a single source of truth. Without clean, structured data, even the most powerful AI tools won’t deliver meaningful insights. By focusing on data integrity, finance teams can transform complex information into clear, strategic narratives that drive decision-making.

"In recent years, finance executives and finance teams are moving more and more into the storytelling world. The message I wanna send to them is, as you enter this space, it's easy to get wowed with maps and dashboards and fancy charts. ?How are those charts gonna inform decisions? Because finance is a strategic function. And how do they be more strategic in the stories they tell?"

Why Multidisciplinary Teams Matter

As finance and data become more intertwined, the ability to collaborate across disciplines is essential. Gabi highlights the importance of curiosity-driven, multidisciplinary teams that blend finance, data science, and strategy. These teams help bridge the gap between raw numbers and real business impact, ensuring finance professionals aren’t just crunching numbers—they’re shaping the future of their organizations.

"?As a manager, when you hire, if you notice on a resume someone has SQL experience or data infrastructure experience, and they're coming in maybe as a junior analyst or somebody that you'll hope to rise within your organization, that should stand out as something that could give a whole new flavor to the way your team operates."

AI is Only as Good as Your Data

AI isn’t a magic solution—it requires a foundation of high-quality, well-managed data to be effective. Gabi shares why finance leaders must "earn the right" to use AI by first investing in strong data practices. One of the biggest hurdles? Getting to a single source of truth in your data.

Many finance teams struggle with fragmented data spread across different systems, making it nearly impossible to generate reliable insights. Inconsistent definitions, duplicate records, and siloed reporting all add to the complexity. AI can only work its magic if the underlying data is clean, structured, and accessible. Without this, even the most advanced AI tools will deliver inaccurate or misleading outputs.

Gabi explains why CFOs must take ownership of data governance, ensuring that finance and data teams work together to standardize definitions, centralize key metrics, and eliminate inconsistencies. By tackling these challenges head-on, finance leaders can lay the groundwork for AI to truly enhance decision-making—transforming raw data into a competitive advantage.

"?The path to getting to a central source of truth is a long one, and it requires buy-in from executive leadership before they buy into AI...which I think is a big problem with the hype right now, where budgets are going towards AI and away from data...That is a backwards approach - your AI will only ever be as good as your data."

Key Takeaways for CFOs in the AI Era:

• Build a Data-First Culture: AI is only as good as the data it’s built on—prioritize accuracy and structure.
• Foster Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Break down silos between finance, data, and strategy teams.
• Stay Ahead of AI Trends: Understand where AI can add value and implement it strategically.
• Use Storytelling to Drive Decisions: Data is powerful, but the ability to translate it into compelling narratives is what truly moves the needle.

The CFO’s Roadmap to the Future

Gabi lays out a vision for finance leaders looking beyond quarterly results. By mastering data management, embracing AI, and fostering cross-functional collaboration, CFOs can drive strategic growth and position their organizations for long-term success.

Finance is evolving. With AI, storytelling, and data-driven leadership, CFOs have the tools to navigate the future with clarity and confidence.

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